The North-Central APC Forum has accused the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, of hindering Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s potential defection to the All Progressives Congress. In a statement released on Sunday, the forum expressed concerns that Yilwatda’s actions are driven by personal political interests, prioritizing his 2027 ambitions over the party’s growth.

The forum criticized Yilwatda for his inability to unite the North-Central region, citing his recent appearance at a church event where he claimed to represent Christians in the area. This remark was deemed divisive and contradictory to the party’s principles. Furthermore, the forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, highlighted Yilwatda’s lack of political experience, having never held an elected office, and accused him of exacerbating divisions within Plateau State and the broader region.

The North-Central APC Forum urged the party’s leadership to consider appointing a more competent national chairman at the upcoming December convention. Despite their criticisms of Yilwatda, the group reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu and pledged to deliver votes from the North-Central region in the 2027 elections.

The accusations against Yilwatda come after he lost the 2023 Plateau governorship election to Mutfwang. The forum’s allegations suggest that Yilwatda’s actions may be motivated by a desire to protect his own political interests and prevent Mutfwang from joining the party. The situation highlights the complexities of party politics in Nigeria, where personal ambitions and regional interests often intersect.

As the APC prepares for its December convention, the party’s leadership will need to address the concerns raised by the North-Central APC Forum. The forum’s call for a more competent national chairman may indicate a broader desire for change within the party. The outcome of the convention will likely have significant implications for the party’s future and its chances in the 2027 elections.